US Scientists Find Covid-19 Antibodies Effective Against Pirola Variant
Two teams of US scientists have conducted laboratory experiments to assess the effectiveness of antibodies from vaccinated and infected Americans against current variants of the Covid-19 virus. The results indicate that the antibodies successfully recognize and combat the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola.
The immune response against BA.2.86 was particularly strong among individuals who had previously been infected with the XBB subvariant within the past six months. This suggests that the forthcoming fall Covid-19 vaccines, which are designed to combat the XBB.1.5 variant, will likely provide added protection against various circulating variants, including BA.2.86.
These findings align with previous experiments carried out by laboratories in China and Sweden, suggesting that BA.2.86 is not as problematic as initially feared. However, another variant called FL.1.5.1, responsible for 15% of new Covid-19 infections in the US, may pose a higher risk due to its ability to evade immunity.
Both US laboratories utilized blood samples from vaccinated individuals and those who had recovered from Covid-19 to test antibody neutralization against BA.2.86 and other variants. Results indicated that antibodies were capable of recognizing and neutralizing BA.2.86 as effectively as other circulating variants, with the strongest immunity observed in individuals recently recovered from XBB infections.
With over 30 changes to the spike protein compared to its closest ancestors, BA.2.86 was initially seen as a potential threat akin to the Omicron variant. However, studies have shown that the variant is less infectious than certain other variants and is only present at low levels in many countries.
Further laboratory experiments are being conducted globally to better understand the BA.2.86 variant and its interactions with vaccines and the immune response. Early studies suggest that while BA.2.86 can partially evade immunity, it is not as severe as the original Omicron strain and does not render antibodies completely ineffective against it.
Experts are optimistic about these initial findings and believe that upcoming vaccine updates will offer significant benefits against BA.2.86 and other circulating variants. The UK’s Variant Technical Group is closely monitoring the situation and will determine whether BA.2.86 should be reclassified as a “variant of concern” in the country.
More laboratory experiments and data from international partners are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, providing further insights into the behavior and impact of the BA.2.86 variant.
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